440 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 
Symptoms.—The first symptom of an actively developed ringbone 
is the appearance of a lameness more or less acute. If the bony 
tumor forms on the side or upper parts of the large pastern, its 
growth is generally unattended with acute inflammatory action, and 
consequently produces no lameness or evident fever. These are called 
“false” ringbones. But when the tumors form on the whole circum- 
terence of the ankle, or simply in front under the extensor tendon, or 
behind under the flexor tendons, or if they involve the joints between 
the two pastern bones, or between the small pastern and the coffin 
bone, the lameness is always severe. These constitute the true ring- 
bone. Besides lameness, the ankle of the affected limb presents more 
or less heat, and in many instances a rather firm, though limited, 
swelling of the deeper tissues over the seat of the inflammatory proc- 
ess. The lameness of ringbone is characteristic in that the heel is 
first placed on the ground when the disease is in a fore leg, and the 
ankle is kept as rigid as possible. In the hind leg, however, the toe 
strikes the ground first, when the ringbone is high on the ankle, just 
as in health, but the ankle is maintained in a rigid position. If the 
bony growth is under the front tendon of the hind leg, or if it 
involves the coffin joint, the heel is brought to the ground first. In 
the early stages of the disease it is not always easy to diagnose ring- 
bone, but when the deposits have reached some size they can be felt 
and seen as well. 
The importance of a ringbone depends on its seat and often on its 
size. If it interferes with the joints or with the tendons it may cause 
an incurable lameness, even though small. If it is on the sides of the 
large pastern, the lameness generally disappears as soon as the tumor 
has reached its growth and the inflammation subsides. Even when 
the pastern joint is involved, if complete anchylosis results, the 
patient may recover from the lameness with simply an imperfect 
action of the foot remaining, due to the stiff joint. 
Treatment.—Before the bony growth has commenced the inflam- 
matory process may be cut short by the use of cold baths and wet 
bandages, followed by one or more blisters. If the bony deposits 
have begun, the firing iron should always be used. Even when the 
tumors are large and the pastern joint involved, firing often hastens 
the process of anchylosis and should always be tried. 
When the lower joint is involved, or if the tumor interferes with 
the action of the tendons, recovery is not to be expected. In many 
of these latter cases, however, the animal may be made serviceable 
by proper shoeing. If the patient walks with the toe on the ground, 
the foot should be shod with a high-heeled shoe and a short toe. 
On the other hand, if he walks on the heel, a thick-toed and thin- © 
heeled shoe must be worn. 
